On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to sit in on Orchesis rehearsing their upcoming performance so that I could snap some photos. However, I immediately found myself pulling my eye from my camera so that I could see the pieces as they were meant to be seen. All of my previous misconceptions and stereotypes about what An Evening of Dance would be like were simply blown away.
As a student of dance for over eleven years, you’d think that I’d be sympathetic to the struggles of a ballet company trying to convince college students to spend 5 bucks to spend a weekend night at Phi Beta Kappa Hall, but I honestly wasn’t dying to go. I could tell you how amazed I was at the talent of the dancers and the beauty of the choreography, but I think the Orchesis dancers could tell you better themselves.
Tracy Brinkerhoff, a freshman in the 29-member dance company, tried to comprehend the twamp apathy as she quipped, “They’d rather be doing something less cultured and worse for their health at the units or delis.”
Fair enough. In talking with student dancers and choreographers alike, there seemed to be one thing that they really think makes An Evening of Dancespecial– it is entirely choreographed and danced by William and Mary students.
“As opposed to Dancevent, all of the choreography is done and performed by students, giving the audience a range of movement, ideas, and voices to see,” retorted junior Nick Peters.
If that isn’t enough to get you off the couch, freshman Kirsten Lloyd urges, “Dance is really very beautiful and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
The choreography itself is mind-blowing. Choreographer Nick Peters describes the art as, “an opportunity to explore an issue or explain an idea I wouldn’t be able to articulate with words.” And choreography extends further than just movements of dancers, it extends through the costumes to the lighting and all the way into the music. Five year choreographer, Jackie Stykes calls it a “a culmination of problem-solving and creativity.”
To sum it up, come to An Evening of Dance. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated and under-attended events at William and Mary. Whether you’re a lover of dance or not, Orchesis is a chance to escape your world for a couple hours. And when it comes down to it, it’s safe to say that this is probably the only time you’ll ever be able to see a professional-caliber ballet performance for 5 bucks.
Orchesis will be performing An Evening of Dancethis Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm at Phi Beta Kappa Hall. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for the public from the Phi Beta Kappa box office.
Photo Credits: Abbey Howarth